The majority of European and North American potato varieties are derivatives of the 'Rough Purple Chili'[1] which was used as breeding stock after the 1840s Irish potato famine[2]. The King Edward potato is one of the oldest of these varieties.
Appearance
The King Edward potato is predominately white skinned with pink colouration. It is mostly oval in shape with a floury texture and shallow eyes [3]. The plant is upright and tall with numerous stems and small green leaves. Its flowers are purple with white tipped petals.
History
It was developed by John Butler of Scotter, Lincolnshire, and introduced to Britain in 1902. It is one of the oldest surviving varieties in Europe [4]. The Coronation of King Edward VII in 1902 coincided with the introduction of this variety of potato and its name is believed to originate as a ‘commemoration’ of this occasion[5].
Cultivating
The King Edward potato is a main crop and in the UK it is traditionally planted in April for harvest in September.[6]
It is suitable to be grown commercially or in the allotment and can even be grown in pots, although smaller ‘first early’ varieties are a more advisable choice for pot cultivation.
To do well King Edwards require soil that is rich in humus (farm-yard manure/compost) in combination with feeding via a general fertiliser. It is also advisable to ensure plenty of watering during dry periods.
Suggested spacing in a traditional plot are at a depth of 4";
spacing in row - 12-16"; width between rows - 28-30". [7]
It is very resistant to Potato scab and offers some resistance to Potato blight but is susceptible to Potato cyst nematode[5].
King Edwards are not particularly prolific in terms of yield, but many people still grow them for their floury texture and their taste.
Culinary
The King Edward has a variety of culinary uses and is renowned for its light fluffy texture, for this reason it is particularly suitable for Roasting and Baking although it is also suitable for Chipping, Sauté and Steaming. It has been specially identified by Delia Smith as being the best potato with which to make gnocchi[8].
Notes
References
- Tasmanian Food and Agriculture Dept http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/OTRG-5A6VG6?open#KingEdward retrieved 30/03/08
- Raoul Robinson, 1995, Return to Resistance, Breeding Crops to Reduce Pesticide Dependence, ISBN 0-88936-774-4.
- Vegetable Growers Guide http://www.vegetable-garden-guide.com/king-edward-potato-seed.html retrieved on 30/03/08
- Unwins Nurseries http://www.unwins.co.uk/king-edward-seed-potatoes-pid1333.html retrieved on 30/03/08
- Dobies Nurseries http://www.dobies.co.uk/pd_457535_Potato_King_Edward_-_3_kg.htm retrieved on 30/03/08
- Delia Smith Online http://www.deliaonline.com/ingredients/potatoes-make-a-comeback,198,IN.html retrieved on 30/03/08
- Biology News Net http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2007/05/16/spud_origin_controversy_solved.html retrieved on 30/03/08
- Kriemhild Coneè Ornelas et al., 2000, The Cambridge World History of Food Vol 2,ISBN 9780521402163 | ISBN 0521402166.